06/09/2026
September is Animal Pain Awareness Month.
Some pain doesn't show up on X-rays, scans or tidy charts
It doesn't walk with a limp, bruise easily or wave a big flag.
Observing your dog and noticing any changes can sometimes alert you to areas were they may be struggling
When you are observing ask:
• Do they always sit and lie the same way? When they sit are their hips/legs uneven?
• Are there any areas where the muscles each side are uneven?
• Are they standing four-square?
• Are their elbows, hocks or feet sticking out?
• Are their hocks touching or near to the ground?
• Are they placing their weight backwards or forwards? • Are there any dips or points in their spine?
• Are they standing base-wide, with either their back legs, front legs or all 4 legs positioned further apart than normal?
• Are they able to hold the position when eliminating or do they move forward whilst they are going?
• Look at their tail, be aware of its normal positions
• When their head is straight, do their ears, eyes and sides of their face look the same? If they c**k their head, is it always to the same side?
• Do they repeatedly chew or nibble a leg?
You can then discuss your observations and any concerns with your vet.
And pain may show up as various types of 'behaviour', withdrawal, reactivity, clinginess, shut down or silence.
